Getting to what matters. That’s what Katie Couric does best. She asks the questions you’d ask and pushes for real answers. She helps make sense of a crazy world. And now she’s bringing her thoughtful, relatable style (along with the occasional show tune) to the world of podcasting. Join Katie and her co-host Brian Goldsmith as they talk to the most fascinating people in news, politics, and pop culture. New personalities, new insights, and new episodes—every Thursday.

For part two of our look back at 2018, we’re reviewing the year in climate change and news/politics. Katie and Brian invite former Vice President Al Gore to reflect on the devastating forest fires and hurricanes that happened this year, how they’re connected to climate change, and why it’s important to address the climate crisis now. Next, Michael Barbaro, from The New York Times’s “The Daily” podcast, walks Katie and Brian through the biggest names and moments in the news this year — from the Mueller investigation and Brett Kavanaugh to the war in Yemen and mass shootings.
Plus, Katie and Brian have an announcement: This is the last episode of the podcast. Thank you so much to all of our devoted listeners, and stay tuned on Katie and Brian’s social media accounts for more information about what’s next for them!
This episode is sponsored by ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), Prudential (www.prudential.com/stateofus), Thrive Market (www.thrivemarket.com/KATIECOURIC), Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/KATIE).

This year was a wild ride — so Katie and Brian are reviewing the biggest people, biggest moments, and biggest trends in a two-episode 2018 extravaganza. In this first part, they start off with Jia Tolentino (The New Yorker) and Ira Madison (Keep It) to rehash the year in pop culture, from Ariana Grande stardom to the royal wedding. Then, Dan Savage (Savage Lovecast) and Sarah McBride (Human Rights Campaign) discuss some of the big strides in the LGBTQ community, as well as continuing challenges to the rights of LGBTQ people. Finally, Jamelle Bouie (Slate, CBS News) and Maria Hinojosa (Latino USA) tackle the year in race. Buckle up — we’ve got a lot to talk about!
This episode is sponsored by Little Passports (www.littlepassports.com/KATIE), ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), Prudential (www.prudential.com/stateofus), and Boll & Branch (www.bollandbranch.com code: KATIE).

There might not be singing, dancing, or mutants in Hugh Jackman’s latest movie, but it’s a big hit with Katie and Brian. Hugh stars as Gary Hart in “The Front Runner,” about the Democratic senator from Colorado who seemed destined to become his party’s presidential nominee in 1988. But an alleged extramarital dalliance — and the media’s newfound interest in a candidate’s personal affairs — led to Hart’s downfall and changed political journalism forever. Hugh talks with Katie and Brian about the movie, and joining the conversation are Matt Bai and Jay Carson, who co-wrote the screenplay.
This episode is sponsored by Prudential (www.prudential.com/stateofus), Little Passports (www.littlepassports.com/KATIE), ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), and Thrive Market (www.thrivemarket.com/katiecouric).

Martha Stewart has dominated all things domestic for nearly 35 years. But what about the woman behind the empire? Last year, Katie and Brian talked with Martha over some apple-cranberry crisp, and in honor of Thanksgiving, we're revisiting that conversation. Martha recalls what it was like growing up in New Jersey as one of six kids, getting her first book deal, serving time in prison and what it was like to work on a TV show with Donald Trump. Plus, she discusses her slow-cooker cookbook and her collaboration with Snoop Dogg. Nothing is off-limits. It's a good thing.

At the height of Journey’s success, frontman Steve Perry walked away from the band and his life as a rockstar in search of a quieter existence. Now, 30 years later, he’s back with the solo album Traces. Katie caught up with Steve about what he’s been doing on his very, very long vacation, why his journey with Journey had to end, and the late-in-life love whose death inspired the new album. Plus, the story behind the lyrics of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey’s smash hit that went on to be the most downloaded song of the twentieth century.
This episode is sponsored by ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), WomenInGovernment.org, Prudential (www.prudential.com/stateofus), and Green Chef (www.GreenChef.us/katiecouric).

In a tweet on Tuesday night, political analyst Amy Walter dubbed the 2018 midterms the “‘choose your own narrative’ election”—meaning that voters on all sides could find cause for celebration or disappointment. Katie and Brian talk with Amy about what the results mean, what we’ve learned about the electorate, and how the elections might shape both parties’ strategies in 2020. Presidential historian Doug Brinkley also joins Katie and Brian to discuss how this week’s election compares to midterms past—and he shares his thoughts on how President Trump will react to the new opposition Congress. Plus, we take your calls!
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/KATIE), ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), Boll & Branch (www.bollandbranch.com code: KATIE), and Thrive Market (www.thrivemarket.com/KATIECOURIC).
Correction: Our guest, Doug Brinkley, misspoke when he said that Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX) lost his 2018 election. In fact, Hurd won re-election. Brinkley also characterized Hurd as "Trumpian," but many would not characterize him this way.

The midterm elections are coming up on November 6, 2018, and there are lots of close races to watch at the federal, state, and local levels. Clare Malone from FiveThirtyEight joins Katie and Brian to highlight some of the most interesting contests: Cruz v. O’Rourke for Texas senator, DeSantis v. Gillum for Florida governor, Abrams v. Kemp for Georgia governor, and more. Clare also breaks down how recent events might affect the elections. Then Katie and Brian talk with Michael Lewis—author of The Blind Side, Moneyball, and The Big Short—about his newest book, The Fifth Risk. Michael spent months investigating the decay of the federal government under the Trump administration and why that could be dangerous for the country.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/KATIE), ADT (www.ADT.com/SMART), Thrive Market (www.thrivemarkets.com/katiecouric), Prudential (www.prudential.com/stateofus), and WomenInGovernment.org - COPD Awareness (www.womeningovernment.org).

Over the weekend, a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. It was the deadliest attack on Jews that the United States has ever seen. On this special episode, Katie and Brian talk with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League — an organization that fights against anti-Semitism and other racially-motivated hate. Jonathan talks about the rise of hate crimes in the U.S., the role of social media and political rhetoric, and what all Americans can do in the wake of this tragedy.

Busy Philipps made her name on TV shows like Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, ER, and Cougar Town. But Instagram Stories was the place where Busy really found her own voice — and that might’ve set the stage for her new E! talk show, Busy Tonight, which premieres on Oct. 28. Katie and Brian talk with Busy about why she loves Instagram so much, the moment she thought she was “done” with acting, the political causes that get her fired up, and how she’s still coping with the sexual assault that happened when she was 14. Plus, Katie gives Busy her best advice about hosting a TV talk show.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/katie), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), Framebridge (www.framebridge.com code: COURIC), and Dailylook (www.dailylook.com/katiecouric code: COURIC).

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and #MeToo, women in Hollywood formed a coalition, called Time’s Up, to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault. As part of the Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit, Katie talks with two important women in the Time’s Up movement: America Ferrera, one of the actors involved in creating Time’s Up, and Lisa Borders, the incoming president and CEO of the organization. America and Lisa talk about why Time’s Up is so important to them, how recent news has affected the movement, and the ways they are working towards change.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/Katie), SweeTango Apples (www.sweetango.com/katie), Simple Contacts (www.simplecontacts.com/KATIE code: KATIE), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/COURIC).

After the spectacle of Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, the already deep political divide in the country seems to have calcified. To try to understand where this rancorous political moment came from — and where it might be going — Katie and Brian talk with two experts. First, they welcome back to the show Rebecca Traister, author of the new book Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger. Rebecca explains why she’s so devastated about the new Supreme Court justice, and she reckons with the fact that women have been on both sides of this bitter political debate. Then they turn to Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law expert and Harvard Law professor, for a legal perspective. What will happen to the Supreme Court as an institution, and what does that mean for the American people?
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/KATIE), SweeTango Apples (www.SweeTango.com/katie), Dailylook (www.dailylook.com/katiecouric code: COURIC), and Boll & Branch (www.bollandbranch.com code: KATIE).

In the second and final chapter of their documentary series, Katie and Brian explore what happened after the Palin interviews aired: from the struggles of the McCain campaign to Sarah Palin’s
decision to start “going rogue.” Plus, they explore how Palin helped usher in a new brand of American politics— and President Donald Trump.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/Katie), SweeTango Apples (www.SweeTango.com/katie), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/COURIC), and Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/katie).

The Palin Interviews, 10 Years Later is a two-part documentary series from the Katie Couric podcast. For this special series, Katie and Brian look back at Katie’s interviews with then vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the impact those conversations had on the 2008 election. Plus, they consider the path Palin may have paved for the rise of Donald Trump. In Part One, Katie and Brian go behind the scenes with top officials from the McCain and Obama campaigns and cover Palin’s extraordinary emergence on the national stage: her selection as John McCain’s running mate (which almost didn’t happen) and her electrifying speech at the Republican National Convention. And of course, they examine the interviews heard round the world and consider why they struck such a chord.
This episode is sponsored by SweeTango Apples (www.sweetango.com/katie), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), Framebridge (www.framebridge.com code: COURIC), California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/KATIE), and PillPack (www.go.pillpack.com/katie).

Katie and Brian welcome their first couple to the show! Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan have made their mark on the fashion and design world. Jonathan is a potter-turned-housewares guru who is known for his namesake brand of home goods. Simon is arguably the most famous window dresser in the world and the creative ambassador-at-large at Barneys. Together, they are a cheeky and glamorous pair. The couple joins Katie and Brian to dish on their unconventional families, how they turned their respective passions into wildly successful careers and why they’ve lasted as a couple. But first, they remember their first date.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/Katie), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), HelloFresh (www.hellofresh.com/COURIC60 code: COURIC60), Boll & Branch (www.bollandbranch.com code: KATIE), and PillPack (go.pillpack.com/KATIE).

Jonathan Van Ness, better known to his fans as JVN, is a beloved member of the "Fab Five" cast of Netflix's hit show Queer Eye. He joins Katie and Brian for a lively discussion about everything from standing out as a gay kid growing up in Quincy, Illinois to what it was like filming for Queer Eye in rural, conservative areas of Georgia. Plus, JVN recalls his epic 6th grade talent show performance.
This episode is sponsored by California Closets (www.californiaclosets.com/Katie), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), Everlane (www.everlane.com/KATIE), Thrive Market (www.thrivemarket.com/katiecouric), and PillPack (go.pillpack.com/KATIE).

Katie and Brian celebrate 10 years of Stand Up to Cancer, the organization that Katie co-founded that has raised close to half a billion (with a b!) dollars for cancer research. First up: Katie gets personal with actor Matthew McConaughey to discuss how cancer has affected his life and loved ones. Next, Katie and Brian sit down with Dr. Bill Nelson, a nationally recognized physician and scientist, to discuss the groundbreaking research that SU2C supports and what the future of cancer treatment looks like.

Tony Robbins has a packed resume: he’s a bestselling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and renowned motivational speaker. In addition to being a self-help titan, Robbins has advised presidents and star athletes, and is involved in 31 businesses which he says generate annual sales of $5 billion. He joins Katie and Brian to discuss his difficult childhood, his remarkable career, his new book, and how President Trump’s leadership style compares to President Obama’s. Plus, he explains why he jumps into a cold pool every morning and demonstrates some “radical explosive breathing” exercises.

Katie and Brian call in a favor (literally) to beloved actor Alan Alda, who agrees to lend them an episode of his new podcast, Clear+Vivid. They chat about the perks of podcasting and then throw to a conversation Alan had with Tina Fey in front of a live audience. Plus, Tina drops by the studio to answer seven questions about herself.

Katie and Brian revisit their trip to Ina Garten’s home on Easter morning for a lesson on slow-cooked scrambled eggs (with truffles!) and a wide-ranging conversation at her kitchen table. Between bites of breakfast, they discuss Ina's views on feminism, other celebrity chefs, and her unlikely path from White House nuclear energy expert to Food Network star. Plus, an unexpected cameo from Jeffrey, Ina's husband of nearly 50 years.

To kick off their summer break series, Katie and Brian revisit their conversation with actress and activist Laverne Cox. By the time Laverne had stepped onto the national stage (and the cover of TIME magazine) in 2014, she'd been dedicating her life to acting for well over a decade. "Being an artist is what informs everything that I do," she says. Laverne joins Katie and Brian to discuss everything from acting opportunities for trans women, her breakthrough role as Sophia on Netflix's Orange is the New Black, and her childhood in Mobile, Alabama. Plus, Katie and Laverne revisit the teachable moment they confronted together.

Preet Bharara, the former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, joins Katie and Brian to help us make sense of the investigations swirling around President Trump. But first, Preet details the whirlwind experience of being courted and then fired by Trump. He also explains why he's decided not to run for public office— for now.

Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant joins Katie and Brian for a wide-ranging discussion about work. "My job is to fix other people's jobs," Adam explains. They delve into what makes a great leader, the difference between workplace givers and takers, and why Adam typically recommends against group brainstorms. Plus, Adam dishes on his experience sitting in on the writers' room at The Daily Show.

Reddit just overtook Facebook to be the third biggest website in the US. Steve Huffman, Reddit's co-founder and CEO, joins Katie and Brian at the Aspen Ideas Festival to talk about everything from propaganda to Pizzagate. They discuss how Reddit handles the threat of misinformation in its communities and how the company's challenges compare to what Facebook is going through. Plus, Steve explains the circumstances that led him to co-found Reddit at the ripe age of 21.

Katie puts former FBI director James Comey in the hot seat at the Aspen Ideas Festival with an in-depth conversation about his controversial role in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s election. They dig into the recent Justice Department report calling Comey “insubordinate” and what Comey makes of Trump's time in office. Plus, Comey reflects on his past year teaching at Howard University, where he was welcomed to his first lecture by students chanting, “James Comey, you’re not our homie.”

Katie and Brian cap off their trip to London with Lord Julian Fellowes, the brilliant mind behind the likes of Gosford Park and Downton Abbey. They dig into Julian's sources of personal inspiration for his hit TV show and discuss Britain's class dynamics, both past and present. Julian also offers his thoughts on the royal wedding, why he supports Brexit, and how he went from a character actor to a screenwriter at age 52. Plus, podcast listener Jill Apple— whom Katie met on Instagram!— joins live in-studio to ask Julian a question of her own.

In their second installment from London, Katie and Brian welcome powerhouse writer, actor, and producer Sharon Horgan, who stops by after a long day of filming one of her (many) television shows. She discusses working with Sarah Jessica Parker on HBO's Divorce and Rob Delaney on Amazon's Catastrophe. She also ponders why British sitcoms are bleaker than American ones and opens up about her friendship with the late, great Carrie Fisher. Plus, Sharon offers advice on how to support working moms and explains what #MeToo means in the UK.

Phil McGraw welcomes Katie and Brian to his eye-popping Beverly Hills home to chat about his long-running daytime talk show, his pre-TV gigs and Oprah’s role in his success. Plus, he weighs in on America’s opioid crisis, mass shootings, President Trump’s atypical behavior, and the #MeToo movement. But first, Phil and his wife Robin give Katie and Brian a tour of their digs.

The pod heads across the pond to London, where Katie and Brian turn the tables on Graham Norton, Britain's most popular chat show host. They revisit highlights from his long-running talk show, including the time he told Judi Dench, "You lie like a rug." Graham also opens up about growing up Protestant in a Catholic stronghold and his total commitment to becoming a comedian and actor as a young man. "I had no plan B," he says. Plus, they dig into Graham's views on Brexit and Ireland's recent landslide vote on abortion.

Julianna Margulies has been lighting up the small screen for over two decades, with standout roles on TV shows like ER and The Good Wife. She joins Katie and Brian to discuss everything from the big impact George Clooney had on her career to what she loved about playing Alicia Florrick. She also explains what makes her latest character on AMC's Dietland such a delicious role. Plus, Julianna opens up about her own experiences with harassment as a young actress.

What is the line between sensitivity and censorship? In today's episode, Katie and Brian are navigating the realm of political correctness, from trigger warnings to safe spaces. New York Times Op-Ed writer Frank Bruni joins to discuss what he sees as the promise and pitfalls of hot-button issues like cultural appropriation and the idea of "checking your privilege." Plus, listeners call in with their own thoughts on PC culture.

It's no secret that Silicon Valley has a problem with women. In her new book, Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley, journalist Emily Chang explores what the tech industry has been getting wrong when it comes to sexism and workplace bias. Her findings are grisly: from business meetings in strip clubs to drug-laden sex parties. Emily joins Katie and Brian to discuss her findings and consider how the tech industry can do better when it comes to addressing gender parity, pay inequity and implicit bias. Plus, Katie shares insights from her reporting on workplace gender inequality for The Revolt, her latest National Geographic documentary hour.

Social media is much more than a way to stay in touch with friends. According to today's guest, Tristan Harris, Facebook and platforms like it are actually manipulating billions of people's minds. Tristan joins Katie and Brian to explain how tech companies are creating addictions, steering elections and making many of us lonely. He would know: After selling a startup to Google in his twenties, Tristan worked there as an in-house design ethicist, where he studied how tech affects people's attention, well-being, and behavior. Now, as a founder of the Center for Humane Technology, Tristan is on a mission to reform the tech industry. Plus, he offers up some tips on how to track and curb your smartphone addiction.

In December, Doug Jones became the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in ruby-red Alabama in 25 years. This week, Katie and Brian make their way to Washington, D.C. for an extended interview with Senator Jones in his new office. They talk about the ongoing dysfunction in the Senate, Jones' upset victory over his embattled Republican opponent Roy Moore, and they dig into a grab-bag of current events. Plus, they delve into Jones' life story, from his teen years in Alabama's newly-integrated public schools to his role in prosecuting two KKK members for a 1963 church bombing that killed four African American girls.

Half of Americans say they have never met a Muslim. What’s it like to be Muslim in America today? Katie and Brian take to the stage at South by Southwest for a live podcast taping with guests Wajahat Ali, a New York Times contributing op-ed writer, and Mona Haydar, a Syrian-American rapper and activist. They have a frank conversation about the joys and pressures of being American Muslims, misconceptions about Islam, and how US media coverage plays into all of the above. Plus, they dig into the controversy surrounding Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The first episode of Katie's National Geographic documentary series, America Inside Out, is out now! To mark the occasion, Katie and Brian welcome Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Bryan could have gone anywhere—he chose to move to Alabama to help confront racial disparities and reform the criminal justice system. On the pod, they discuss Bryan’s childhood experiences with school segregation, the problem with Confederate monuments, and shining a light on one of the darkest chapters in American history: the post-Civil War period of Jim Crow and lynching.

Cecile Richards has been president of Planned Parenthood for over a decade, but her interest in women's issues started before she could vote. As a teenager, she helped her mother, Ann Richards— who would go on to be governor of Texas— work on political campaigns for female candidates. Cecile joins Katie and Brian to discuss her trailblazing mom, her new memoir, and her decision to step down from her role at Planned Parenthood. Plus, she opens up about her meeting last year with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and clarifies some common misconceptions about Planned Parenthood.

Aly Sheehy is a senior at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were killed in a mass shooting last month. She joins Katie and Brian for an emotional account of how she and her classmates in Parkland, Florida have coped with the tragedy's aftermath and why they are now pushing for change. Katie and Brian also speak with Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, about state and local gun law reforms— and taking on the NRA.

Katie and Brian revisit the time they interviewed Ava DuVernay at Disney's studios in Burbank, California. They talk with the inimitable director of Selma and 13th about everything from A Wrinkle In Time to her relationship with Oprah. They also discuss #OscarsSoWhite, criminal justice and the AvaDuVernayBarbie doll. Plus, how Ava made the leap from publicizing movies to directing them.

For the final installment in the Wonder Women series, Diane von Fürstenberg—the woman behind the iconic fashion line—welcomes Katie and Brian to her company's Manhattan headquarters for a conversation about her full and colorful life. They discuss her wide-ranging philanthropy, her famous husbands, and how her brand has evolved since she appeared on the cover of Newsweek at age 29. She also tells the story of her mother, a Holocaust survivor, and how she inspired Diane’s determination to be independent. Plus, DVF explains why she believes the most important relationship in life is the one you have with yourself: “If you have that, any other relationship is a plus and not a must."

Kara Swisher is perhaps the most feared—and effective—journalist in tech. She first made a splash covering AOL in the 1990s and she's continued to scoop Silicon Valley players ever since. In this crossover episode with Kara’s podcast, Katie and Kara discuss the competition between Instagram and Snapchat, and why Facebook executives have been slow to acknowledge the site's role in the 2016 election. “They don’t want to take responsibility for the fact that their platform was used by a malevolent power to create discord in our country," Kara says. She and Katie also delve into tech addiction in kids, the effect of automation on jobs, and their long careers in journalism. Plus, Kara turns the mic around and asks Katie about her time at Yahoo, and what she'd like to do next.

Katie heads to Pyeongchang, South Korea to report from the 2018 Winter Olympics. First up: two Wonder Women from the U.S. women's ski jumping team explain their fight for recognition and resources that has been decades in the making. Next, New York Times sports reporter Karen Crouse explains how a tiny Vermont town has produced an outsized number of Olympians— and why these athletes are uniquely prepared to embrace life beyond sports.

Laverne Cox is no overnight success. By the time she stepped onto the national stage (and the cover of TIME magazine) in 2014, she'd been dedicating her life to acting for well over a decade. "Being an artist is what informs everything that I do," she says. Laverne joins Katie and Brian to discuss everything from acting opportunities for trans women, her breakthrough role as Sophia on Netflix's Orange is the New Black, and her childhood in Mobile, Alabama. Plus, Katie and Laverne revisit the teachable moment they confronted together.

Amy Schumer made a name— and a career— for herself with her unapologetically raunchy brand of stand-up comedy. But being known as "the sex comic" never phased Amy. "That just seemed like a stepping stone," she says. Katie joins Amy at home to discuss everything that came out of her success in stand-up comedy, including starring roles in movies and on Broadway, her Comedy Central sketch series, and her best-selling memoir. They also discuss the #MeToo movement, body image issues in Hollywood, and the tragedy that sparked Amy's involvement in gun safety activism. Plus, Katie and Amy revisit the dirty prank that drew them closer.

As the longest-serving black woman in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Maxine Waters has been a fixture of California's political scene since the 1970s. In 2017, she unexpectedly became a viral sensation, too. Katie and Brian join Rep. Waters in Los Angeles to talk about “reclaiming her time,” growing up as one of 13 children, and why she doesn't hesitate to call President Trump racist. Plus, the Congresswoman offers a poetry reading.

Katie and Brian pop in with a preview of Unladylike, a new podcast from the Stitcher family about what happens when women break the rules. Join hosts Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin for their trademark obsessive research and stories from rule-breakin’ ladies.
Hear the first episode in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2n0NMsk
Or visit their website: unladylike.co/podcast

Questions about Donald Trump? Maggie Haberman has answers. She began reporting on Trump as a New York tabloid journalist over a decade ago. Now, as a White House correspondent for the New York Times, she's made a name for herself by filing scoop after scoop about his presidency. She joins Katie and Brian to parse everything from Trump's Diet Coke consumption to his cabinet relationships. They also discuss the role— and limits— of journalism in holding the president accountable. "lt is not a reporter's job to hold an impeachment trial," Maggie says. Plus, Katie and Brian announce the kickoff of a new series: Wonder Women!

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski share a morning TV news show— and a life. For over a decade, they've co-hosted Morning Joe on MSNBC, along with Willie Geist. Soon they'll take on new titles: husband and wife. Katie and Brian head to NBC Studios in New York to talk with Mika and Joe about the criticism they've faced for their coverage of Donald Trump, the evolution of the GOP, and why they think the 25th Amendment should be invoked. Plus, their account of New Year’s at Mar-a-Lago.

Maria Sharapova has won five Grand Slams since becoming a pro tennis player at just 14 years old— and she's faced her share of setbacks, too. Sharapova joins Katie at 92Y in New York City to discuss highlights from her new memoir, including emigrating from Russia at age 6, her rivalry with Serena Williams, and the urine test that took her off the court. Sharapova also opens up about her recent ban from tennis, calling it "one of the toughest things that an athlete can go through." Plus, what it was like to return.

Danny Meyer is a legend in the food business. While he's best known for founding Shake Shack, the global burger empire, he actually got his start in fine dining. He was just 27 years old when he opened his first restaurant, the Union Square Cafe. Katie joins Danny there to talk (over tagliatelle) about the decision to eliminate tipping at many of his restaurants, the difference between service and hospitality, and why he was initially embarrassed to tell his family he wanted to go into the restaurant business. Plus, he shares his recommended order at Shake Shack.

Rabbi Steve Leder, senior rabbi at the oldest synagogue in Los Angeles, sits down with Brian to discuss the subject of his new book: how suffering can be transformational. Rabbi Leder details the change he experienced following a car accident that briefly left him dependent on opioids and eating them "like they're candy." He also offers advice on how to help loved ones coping with trauma and why to avoid saying, "Let me know if you need anything." Plus, insights from Maimonides on the steps it takes to earn forgiveness.

Marie Kondo brings her world-renowned tidying expertise to Katie's own closet, where—let’s just say—not everything is “sparking joy.” They discuss Marie’s early (and sometimes overzealous) forays into organizing and why the "KonMari Method" for cleaning up has turned into a global phenomenon. Plus, Marie explains how her young daughters have changed her approach to tidying and divulges the unnecessary object in her home that she refuses to give away.
For bonus footage of Marie helping Katie confront her packed closet, head to Architectural Digest: bit.ly/KondoCouric

As the chief official White House photographer for President Obama, Pete Souza spent eight years in the "room where it happens." He has the stories — and the pictures— to show for it: from playing cards with POTUS on Air Force One to photographing the Situation Room during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. No one, with the possible exception of the First Lady, spent more time with Barack Obama during his presidency. Plus, Pete reflects on his formative years outside Washington, including a harrowing, snowy trek on horseback to document the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan.

Surprise! Katie offers up a bonus takeover episode from The Longest Shortest Time, another podcast in the Stitcher network. Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift describes what it was like to be the first U.S. governor to give birth while in office. Plus, moms today share their own stories of discrimination in the workplace. This episode is the first in a four-part Longest Shortest Time series on working moms.

Longtime political analyst Norm Ornstein joins Katie and Brian to reflect on the upcoming anniversary of Donald Trump’s election. They discuss the “seeds of Trumpism,” the changing Republican Party and the future of American civic life. Plus, Ornstein opens up about his late son’s struggle with mental illness and his push for mental health policy reform.

Gretchen Carlson may have been fired last year from her job at Fox News, but it hasn't slowed her down one bit. After filing and settling a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former boss at Fox for a reported $20 million, Gretchen has transitioned from journalism to advocacy. She joins Katie and Brian to discuss her new book, the recent bombshell allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, and her advice for others facing sexual harassment at work. Plus, she recalls what it was like to be crowned Miss America at age 22 and the nerve-racking prank that unexpectedly launched her career in television.

Martha Stewart has dominated all things domestic for nearly 35 years. But what about the woman behind the empire? Katie and Brian pay a visit to Martha's pristine office for a candid conversation over some apple-cranberry crisp. Martha recalls what it was like growing up in New Jersey as one of six kids, getting her first book deal, serving time in prison and what it was like to work on a TV show with Donald Trump. Plus, she discusses her new cookbook and her collaboration with Snoop Dogg. Nothing is off-limits. It's a good thing.
This episode is brought to you by Virtue (www.virtuelabs.com code: KATIE), Babbel (www.babbel.com/katie), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/COURIC), and Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: KATIE).

David Axelrod is a renowned Democratic political strategist, most notably for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. These days, he runs the nonpartisan Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago and hosts a hit podcast, The Axe Files, where he interviews major political figures. In this special crossover episode, Katie and Brian turn the tables on "Axe" and get his own story, including his early days in gritty Chicago journalism, his father's death from suicide, and his family's efforts on behalf of his daughter, Lauren, who has epilepsy. Plus, they discuss his former client, Hillary Clinton, and the future of the Democratic party.
This episode is brought to you by Virtue (www.virtuelabs.com code: KATIE), Crane & Canopy (www.craneandcanopy.com/KATIE), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/COURIC), RXBAR (www.RXBAR.com/KATIE), Honest Tea (www.honesttea.com/podcast), and Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: KATIE).

Dan Savage has dished out love and sex advice in his syndicated Savage Love column for over 25 years. He's blunt, hilarious and empathetic-- and not just in his writing! Dan joins Katie and Brian to discuss working at Ann Landers' desk, being "monogamish" and the sex questions he gets asked the most. He also recalls what it was like to come of age during the AIDS epidemic. Plus, two words that Katie never expected to hear on the podcast.

Katie and Brian pay a visit to Disney's studios in Burbank, California to talk with the inimitable director of Selma and 13th about everything from A Wrinkle In Time to her relationship with Oprah. They also discuss #OscarsSoWhite, criminal justice and the Ava DuVernay Barbie doll. Plus, how Ava made the leap from publicizing movies to directing them.

Social media is supposed to help us connect with one another and reduce loneliness, but what if the opposite is true? Psychologist Jean Twenge just wrote a piece in The Atlantic asking, “Have smartphones destroyed a generation?” She joins Katie and Brian to discuss the costs and consequences of endless screen time. Twenge is an expert on what she calls "iGen," those born between 1995 and 2012. She explains the pros and cons of an all-digital world and breaks down the research on smartphones and mental health. Plus, the surprising benefits of boredom.

To mark their podcast's first anniversary, Katie and Brian return to Washington, D.C.—this time, to interview New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. There they find lawmakers on the Capitol steps with a megaphone, leading an impromptu rally on health care. After interviewing folks in the crowd, Katie and Brian sit down with Senator Booker to talk about the future of the Affordable Care Act, criminal justice reform, the documentary that captured his biggest failure, and living in Newark's most dangerous neighborhoods. Plus, what it was like growing up African-American in Harrington Park, as one of "four raisins in a tub of sweet vanilla ice cream."

Katie and guest host John Molner (aka Katie's husband) welcome Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz for a discussion about the psychology of leadership and his views on President Trump's mental health. They also talk about why many mental health professionals won't publicly comment on the psyche of public figures. Plus, Dr. Sulkowicz explains his unexpected path from practicing psychiatry and psychoanalysis to advising CEOs and corporate boards.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu knows that race is hard to talk about, but he thinks it's important to do it anyway. In fact, he recently put himself on the map with a powerful speech backing the removal of Confederate monuments in his city. Mayor Landrieu sits down with Katie and Brian at the Aspen Ideas Festival to delve into the history and context behind his now-famous remarks. They also discuss climate change in the Big Easy, the role of cities in the Trump era, and why Mayor Landrieu still wishes he could be a Broadway star.

It's time for another bonus episode! Katie and Brian ask Veep's Matt Walsh all the questions they didn't get to last week. Find out what Matt considers his big break and who he admires most in comedy. Plus, why he gave up on becoming a therapist– and a squirrel. Yes, a squirrel.

In his role as the beleaguered Mike McLintock on HBO's Veep, Matt Walsh is often the butt of the joke. In real life, however, Matt is revered— in the world of improv comedy, at least. He's one of the founding members the Upright Citizens Brigade, a comedy institution. Matt joins Katie and Brian to discuss improv vs. stand-up, what makes Julia Louis-Dreyfus so great to work with, and the advice he'd give to Sean Spicer.

Brian takes the wheel this week and sits down with Graham Allison, the founding dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a leading military strategist. For decades, Allison has advised defense secretaries and presidents on both sides of the political aisle. Now he's out with a new book that examines whether America and China are destined to go to war. He and Brian delve into the challenges associated with China's rising power, the diplomatic implications of the Paris Climate Accord, and why the U.S. seems caught in a slow-motion Cuban Missile Crisis with North Korea.

When Sheila Nevins started her career in the 1960s, she didn't know women could be bosses. After all, she'd only ever worked for male supervisors. Now, at 78, she's the president of HBO Documentary Films. Sheila joins Katie and Brian for an unflinching conversation about everything from her painful childhood memories to her plastic surgery. Plus, they discuss what makes a great documentary and listen to celebrities read excerpts from Sheila's new book.
This episode is brought to you by Hulu Plus (www.hulu.com), Credo Mobile, Amazon Kindle (www.amazon.com/kindleforkids), and HAG-SEED by Margaret Atwood.

Surprise! Katie and Brian serve up a podcast extra featuring Christie Todd Whitman, the Republican former governor of New Jersey. In this debut bonus segment, Governor Whitman offers some exclusive insights into her life and career, including what her parents taught her and what she sees as her biggest mistake. She delves into everything from her first job, as a candy striper, to her favorite job: being governor. Plus, she shares her top tip for a successful marriage.

Christie Todd Whitman was New Jersey's first female governor, but she didn't grow up thinking that she'd like to run for office. She joins Katie and Brian to discuss her path to public service, why she left as George W. Bush’s EPA Administrator, and her assessment of New Jersey’s current Governor Christie. Plus, she talks about the state of her party, and the country, under President Donald Trump.
This episode is brought to you by Omaha Steaks (www.omahasteaks.com code: KATIE), Babbel (www.babbel.com/KATIE), and Nudu (www.nudu.com code: KATIE).

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored the most points of any NBA player in history, and basketball isn't the only arena where he's found success. At 70, he's a best-selling author, an award-winning cancer research advocate, and a prolific cultural commentator who isn't afraid to speak out on controversial political and social issues. Kareem joins Katie to talk about being black and Muslim in America, surviving cancer, and watching the game of basketball change since his own heyday. Plus, he explains what was so special about his friend and mentor John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach who is the subject of his latest book.
This episode is brought to you by Crane & Canopy, On the Media podcast from WNYC, Amazon Kindle (www.amazon.com/kindleforkids).

After more than 40 years working in America's top newsrooms, Marty Baron is one of the most respected names in news. As editor of the Washington Post since 2012, he has led his staff to Pulitzers and helped them weather the changes that came when a tech billionaire bought the paper. Marty talks with Katie and Brian about the state of journalism, fake news, and how technology has changed his job. They're also joined by Jessica Lessin, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Information, an innovative news site covering Silicon Valley.
This episode is brought to you by Crane & Canopy, Delta Airlines, and Tucker (www.tuckernyc.com/katie).

After her husband died suddenly from a cardiac arrhythmia, Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg (Lean In) thought she would never experience true joy again. Nearly two years later, she is out with a new book, Option B, that delves into how she proved herself wrong— and how others can build resilience in the face of trauma, too. Sandberg wrote Option B with her friend Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton professor. They both join Katie onstage at 92Y (92Y.org) in Manhattan to discuss insights from the book, including how to support grieving children, dating after loss, and the "three P's" that can hinder recovery.
This episode is brought to you by Texture (www.texture.com/KATIE) and Audible (www.audible.com/couric).

Ina Garten welcomes Katie and Brian to her home on Easter morning for a lesson on slow-cooked scrambled eggs (with truffles!) and a wide-ranging conversation at her kitchen table. Between bites of breakfast, they discuss Ina's views on feminism, other celebrity chefs, and her unlikely path from White House nuclear energy expert to Food Network star. Plus, an unexpected cameo from Jeffrey, Ina's husband of 48 years.
This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/katiecouric), Crane & Canopy, and Varidesk (www.varidesk.com/podcast).

Neil deGrasse Tyson (the host of StarTalk) fell in love with the cosmos at age 9, on a visit to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Not only did he fulfill his childhood ambition of becoming an astrophysicist, today he’s the director of the Hayden Planetarium and one of America's most beloved scientific educators. Dr. Tyson joins Katie and Brian to discuss science in the Trump era, the future of space exploration, and why a TV appearance in 1989 changed his life. Plus, he gives a preview of his latest book, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.
This episode is brought to you by Varidesk (ww.varidesk.com/podcast), Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/katiecouric), Toyota Highlander 2, and Delta Airlines.

Dan Taberski is the host and creator of the hit podcast Missing Richard Simmons. Dan made the six-episode series in an effort to find out what was going on with his friend Richard Simmons, who hasn't been seen in public in over three years. Missing Richard Simmons became the #1 most downloaded podcast on iTunes but now that the show is over, questions still remain. Beyond what's going on with Richard -- physically and mentally -- Dan himself has been under fire for the ethics of his project. In this ad-free bonus episode, Dan joins Katie to talk about his experience of making the podcast, what he decided to leave out of it, and his reaction to the criticism he's faced.

Renowned Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg has advised the likes of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela. But he first made a name for himself studying white working class voters. His seminal 1985 report on so-called Reagan Democrats examined why auto workers were abandoning the Democratic Party in Macomb County, Michigan. Greenberg joins Katie and Brian to discuss how the 2016 election gave him déjà vu, why he's been spending time in Macomb again and what he's hearing from Trump supporters there. Plus, a caller in Chicago gets on the line to explain why she went from being a lifelong Democrat to voting for Donald Trump.
This episode is brought to you by Toyota Highlander 2 and Ting Mobile.

Tony Robbins has a packed resume: he's a bestselling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and renowned motivational speaker. In addition to being a self-help titan, Robbins has advised presidents and star athletes, and is involved in 31 businesses which he says generate annual sales of $5 billion. He joins Katie and Brian to discuss his difficult childhood, his remarkable career, his new book, and how President Trump's leadership style compares to President Obama's. Plus, he explains why he jumps into a cold pool every morning and demonstrates some "radical explosive breathing" exercises.
This episode is brought to you by Crane & Canopy (www.craneandcanopy.com/KATIE), Toyota Highlander 2, and Ting Mobile (www.katie.ting.com).

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor are alumni of the Obama administration who recently founded Crooked Media, a progressive media company. They also host the hit political podcast, Pod Save America. For this special crossover episode, Katie speaks with these former White House communications aides about President Trump's troubled relationship with the press, media accountability and how Democrats can translate protests into votes.
This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/katiecouric), Toyota Highlander 2, and Princess Cruise Lines (www.princess.com/katie).

Vanessa and JR Ford didn't know their youngest child was a girl until she told them on her fourth birthday. "Mom, I'm not a boy," she said. "I'm a girl in my heart and in my brain." As the parents of a transgender daughter, Vanessa and JR are at the epicenter of today's changing terrain when it comes to gender. The Fords are just one of the families featured in Katie's new documentary, Gender Revolution: A Journey With Katie Couric. In this companion podcast, Katie and Brian dive deep with the Fords and two others featured in Gender Revolution: Georgiann Davis, a sociologist and intersex activist, and Dr. Joshua Safer, who runs the Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Boston Medical Center.This episode is brought to you by Gender Revolution on demand (www.NatGeoTV.com/GenderRevolution), Toyota Highlander 2, and Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: COURIC35).

Bill Browder used to be Russia's largest foreign investor. Then, in 2005, he was blacklisted by the Russian government and kicked out of the country. Now he's one of Vladimir Putin's most outspoken critics. He joins Katie and Brian to explain what went wrong, including how his own lawyer ended up dead in a Russian prison. Plus, Browder unpacks the perils and opportunities of a closer U.S. relationship with Russia and offers a chilling assessment of Putin. This episode is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, Toyota, Princess Cruise Lines (www.princess.com/katie), and Crane & Canopy.

Actor Alec Baldwin has delighted millions of viewers playing Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, but it wasn't so long ago that he tried to say goodbye to public life entirely. He joins Katie and Brian for a frank discussion about the arc of his career, his personal challenges with tabloid journalism, and the political tensions within his own family. Plus, he dishes on his favorite Jack Donaghy lines from 30 Rock and why no one is more thrilling to work with than Tom Cruise.This episode is brought to you by Dunkin’ Donuts, Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: COURIC35), and Princess Cruise Lines (www.princess.com/KATIE).

No reporter cut through the media din of the 2016 presidential election quite like David Fahrenthold of The Washington Post. Remember the infamous Access Hollywood tape? That was one of Fahrenthold's scoops, as were his exhaustive stories on Donald Trump's questionable charitable activities. He joins Katie and Brian to discuss becoming an overnight sensation after 16 years on the job, getting called a "nasty guy" in a phone call with Donald Trump, and how he thinks journalists should cover Trump's presidency. Plus, how he uses a mix of social media crowdsourcing and old-fashioned gumshoe reporting to break his stories.This episode is brought to you by Blurb (www.blurb.com/grammar code: KATIE) and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/KATIE).

Katie and Brian head to the White House and sit down with Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to President Barack Obama. Not only is Jarrett a guiding voice in the Obama administration, but she has also been friends with the President and First Lady since they were an engaged couple in Chicago in the early 1990s. Jarrett discusses managing her work and friendship with the President, her emotions since the election and why she has hope for the Affordable Care Act's future. Plus, Brian talks with White House visitors from across the country.This episode is brought to you by Sock Club ( www.sockclub.com code: COURIC), Aspen Ideas to Go podcast, Omaha Steaks ( www.omahasteaks.com code: KATIE), and Casper Mattresses ( www.casper.com/couric ).

GOP strategist Mike Murphy caught the political bug early: he began his career as a college student making radio ads out of his dorm room for a long-shot congressional race. He's gone on to specialize in winning statewide campaigns for governor and Senate. He's been the lead strategist for many major Republican figures, including John McCain, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mitt Romney. He also had a role in the 2016 campaign season. "I ran the Jeb Bush super PAC," he explains, "which gives me the unique credential of having blown, oh, over 95 million dollars and not winning." Mike joins Katie and Brian to discuss his vocal criticism of Donald Trump, the media's role in modern politics and why he's a hopeless romantic when it comes to presidential races.This episode is brought to you by Sock Club, Aspen Ideas to Go podcast, Hello Fresh, and Omaha Steaks.

Larry Wilmore has worn many comedic hats, from writer and show creator (The Bernie Mac Show) to late-night host (The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore). He joins Katie and Brian to process the election results, pay tribute to Gwen Ifill and share highlights from his over 25 years in television. Plus, we want to hear from our conservative listeners: what do you think the future holds for the GOP? Leave us a message at 929-224-4637.This episode is sponsored by Sock Club, Aspen Ideas to Go podcast, Omaha Steaks, and Casper Mattresses.

Doris Kearns Goodwin knows her presidents. As America's leading presidential historian, she's written five critically acclaimed and best-selling presidential biographies. Her book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln is revered by the likes of Steven Spielberg and President Obama. In this election week bonus episode, she joins Katie and Brian to help parse Donald Trump's upset victory. Plus, we want to know your biggest hope and biggest fear about a Trump presidency. Leave us a message at 929-224-4637 .This episode is brought to you by Stamps.com

Nate Silver, founder and editor-in-chief of the website FiveThirtyEight, is America's favorite statistician. His website is required reading for anyone obsessing over U.S. elections. He joins Katie and Brian to talk about polling methods, Comeygate and why post-election gridlock is a very safe bet. Plus, we want to hear from you: after November 8th, what will you do to fill up the time you’ve spent following this election? Call and leave us a message at 929-224-4637 .This episode is brought to you by Warby Parker and Omaha Steaks.

Samantha Bee (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee) is the only woman in America with her own late-night television show. "Its really liberating," she tells Katie and Brian. "I don't find it scary at all." She discusses the outrage she summons in order to do her job, how her three young kids prevent her from overthinking things, and her dozen years as a correspondent for The Daily Show. Plus, she swears she wasn't a class clown growing up.This episode is brought to you by Casper Mattresses and Audible.

Thomas L. Friedman has been writing Op-Eds in the New York Times for 21 years and he still sees column ideas everywhere. He joins Katie to discuss our autumn of discontent and the profound sense of "stuckness" he believes many Americans feel. They talk about globalization, the election, and the increasingly blurred line between politics and entertainment. Plus, was NAFTA a good or a bad thing?This episode is brought to you by The Great Courses and Stamps.com.

Vice presidential candidates can make or break a campaign. Remember Sarah Palin? So do Katie and Brian. That sets the stage for today's interview with Libertarian vice presidential candidate William 'Bill' Weld. He is one of the great characters in American politics. The former governor of Massachusetts discusses his long-shot race for the White House and his lengthy career -- which he began working alongside Hillary Rodham Clinton. Governor Weld also talks about the strengths of his running mate, Governor Gary Johnson, addresses the campaign's gaffes, and shares why he's not swayed by criticism that his ticket could swing the presidential election.This episode is brought to you by Bark Technologies, Bench Made Modern, Stamps.com, and The Great Courses.

Bob Woodward and Tina Brown are two living legends in the world of journalism. As an investigative journalist at The Washington Post, Woodward, alongside reporter Carl Bernstein, helped break the Watergate scandal that eventually sunk Richard Nixon. Tina Brown's career has been no less storied. She's edited Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, created The Daily Beast and written the best-selling book, The Diana Chronicles.They chat with Katie and Brian about this historic election cycle, if we're living in a post-factual political landscape, and if news outlets have been balanced when covering Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. This episode is brought to you by Vivid Seats ( www.vividseats.com ), Close5, Stamps.com, and Audible.

Under the cover of anonymity people feel emboldened to say hateful things online, which can be hurtful when you are the target. New York Times Deputy Washington Editor Jonathan Weisman explains why he quit Twitter over anti-Semitic bullying -- and why he returned. And Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, says that for every big win against hate speech there is inevitably a backlash. Plus, we ask folks in Times Square to tell us their stories of being bullied online.This episode is sponsored by Remarkable Lives, Tragic Deaths, Close5, The Great Courses, and Casper Mattresses.

It's been a big season for women in politics - both in fictional worlds and real ones. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) talks about playing the fictional president Selina Meyer and Rebecca Traister (All the Single Ladies) digs into the moment and meaning of Hillary Clinton’s presidential nomination. Plus, Katie takes a field trip to Times Square to find out what a woman nominee, and potential president, means to everyday Americans.This episode is sponsored by Close5, The Great Courses, and Stamps.com.

Bob Costas is THE voice of the Olympics — the legendary broadcaster has hosted more than a dozen of the games. Today he talks with Katie and Brian about how he prepares to preside over the Olympics, and how a childhood passion for sports turned into a love of sportscasting. He also explains conflicted feelings over Caitlyn Jenner’s 2015 Arthur Ashe award, and weighs in on our current political climate. Plus, we hear some of your favorite Olympics memories.This episode is sponsored by Material Wrld, Stamps.com, and Audible.

You may not know his name, but you know his work and his words. Like "climate change" instead of "global warming," and "death tax" instead of "estate tax" -- he's really helped position policy for voters. But longtime Republican pollster and strategist Frank Luntz is not a happy camper right now, and he tells Katie and Brian why this election season is bringing him down. Let us know what you think: is our country in decline, or are you optimistic about the future? Leave a message: 929-224-4637

Katie and Brian head to the Capitol to talk with Senator Al Franken about the current political campaign, the issues that are top on his mind, and the legacy and lessons of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Along the way they also hear from constituents with a lot on their minds, especially relating to recent gun violence.This episode is sponsored by Bright Cellars, Material Wrld, Stamps.com, and The Great Courses.

A sneak peek of "Katie Couric," coming to Earwolf on July 28th! Join us for candid unscripted conversations as Katie and her co-host Brian Goldsmith take a trip to the Capitol and visit with Senator Al Franken; talk with Bob Costas about why he loves the Olympics; and hear why Jonathan Weisman quit Twitter. Subscribe now and you won’t miss a thing. And don't be shy, leave us a voicemail at (929) 224-4637.